HOW TO DOWNSIZE
Don't sacrifice the use of a room for guests that may only stay occasionally.
I’ve recently worked on projects where my clients downsized from the family home to a smaller home. The kids had moved out and so the large family home with lawn and gardens wasn’t what they wanted or needed anymore. The former lure of the suburban quarter acre block was replaced with the convenience of a low maintenance property and nearby lattes. In some cases, my clients moved into new apartments, which was a very different environment to where they had raised their families. In making the move, belongings accumulated over the years and things stuffed in cupboards, needed to be sorted through to decide what was making the journey to the next house. And then once in the new home, what’s next?
How do you create a new home without losing all the memories?
Tips on how to downsize
Don’t throw out all pieces of furniture. Bring things with you that have memories and that will help create a feel you are looking for. Things that have history or a story can help bring character into a new home (especially in a newly built apartment).
Older items can work with newer items. That’s where an interior decorator can help! Often there is something that may tie pieces together such as a colour, pattern or a style. And if your items are in good condition, they can be reupholstered or polished. Older items can also be something unexpected in a room may be a talking point.
However, be realistic. You won’t need all the furniture from a family home in your new smaller home. Try to be objective when looking at your items. It costs to transport items so make sure they are things you love and need. Second hand dealers, online selling sites and op shops will take furniture and items in good condition. And there may be family members who have had their eye on your grand piano!
Create a home for you. I’ve often found that clients are still thinking of their family when creating their new home. Family will visit and grandchildren may sleep over. But ultimately it is your home and keep that in mind when thinking about how you want your home to feel. When you are going into a new home, you won’t have as much space as you once had. Don’t sacrifice the use of a room for guests that may stay occasionally. There are always sofa beds and blown up mattresses! Put yourself first.
Make sure it fits. If you are taking furniture with you, check it will physically fit in your new home. That also includes whether it will fit through the door way or in lifts. And if you are moving into an apartment, find out if there are any rules or restrictions such as what you can put on your balcony or the type of window coverings.
There are companies that can assist in making your move easier. Such as selling or buying your furnitiure to packing and unpacking your belongings (yes, they will even make your bed!). For help getting your home ready for sale and decorating your new home, contact me at www.katieriddell.com.au. To receive helpful tips and inspiration direct to your email inbox, please sign-up to receive my “All Things Interiors” newsletter.
